Suicide Prevention

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. If you need help, please dial 988.

The 988 Lifeline
988 is now active across the United States. This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services. (Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.) You can also visit 988lifeline.org

The Trevor Lifeline

A national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among LGBT youth. If you need help, please dial 1-866-488-7386.

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT A CHILD?

HOPE National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

Teachers and other school staff are well-positioned to observe student behavior and to ACT if there is a suspicion that a student may consider self-harm. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem; but for kids, their problems can seem endless at this stage.

Here is information on how you can ACT.

A = Acknowledge feelings rather than minimizing them. Telling a student to "get over it" or "move on" is not a realistic outcome when dealing with a person with depression.
C = Show Care and Concern for the student by taking the next step. Example, "I'm worried about you. I don't want anything bad to happen to you or for you to be hurt."
T = Tell a member of your crisis team, at our District this would be a Pupil Services Team Member like a guidance counselor or social worker. They know how to work with students who have concerns like these.